Multiform stationery strip



March 7, 1939- I. A. H. PHILLIPS ET AL MULTIFORM STATIONERY STRIP Filed Oct. 19, 1929 51 .E 22%;? /5" i fERns 241*;

I flanowru co.

I u NEWYORK TERMS I I I I I I I I -I| I I T' C l BROWN lrCo {6/ g: NEW YORK T9045 I I I I: BR a ma E TERMS ATTORNEY$ Patented Mar. 7, 1 939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MULTIFORM STATIONERY STRIP Application October 19, 1929, Serial No. 400,953 '1 Claims. (01.282-12) This invention relates to printed paper forms of the niultiplicate type, and is concerned more particularly witha plurality of continuous superimposed strips of successive forms printed in 5 multiplicate and interleaved with carbon paper.

These strips are arranged so that their corresponding forms lie in registry to form a composite strip which is adapted to be passed through atiplicate copies, andthe operator must stop the L machine frequently in order to rearrange the.

strips in proper juxtaposition. -Also, when these composite strips are handled the several individual strips tend to slip sidewise, and considerable care must be exercised in order to keep them together in proper relationship. Similarly, when the sets of forms are being separated from the composite strip they tend to slip and become disarranged unless considerable care in handling is exercised.

It is the principal object of this invention to o obviate these objections to continuous multiform or composite stationery as now employed by securing the several strips together by fastening means not appearing upon the forms but on a border which is subsequently separable from the compositestrip or from the separate sets of forms after they have been inscribed with the record data.

More particularly, the invention 'comprehends a multiform strip or composite manifolding as- 0 sembly having a border which is divisible from the composite form strip or from the separate sets of forms by tearing it off along a line of perforations through each separate strip or form, and a fastening means on or at this border serv- 5 ing to secure together all of the strips constituting the composite strip and being rendered in effective to secure these strips together when the border is torn off. This border may be torn off before the composite strip is separated into the plurality of sets of multiplicate forms or form sheets,whereby the individual strips are released from each other, or the borders may be left on the several sets of multiplicate forms after they have been separated from the composite strips, whereby the separate forms are held together in multiplicate to be jointly released as a set by tearing oil? the border or to be released separately by tearing them from the border one by one. Although the carbon paper which may be interleaved between the record or 8 form strips may extend the full width of the strip and also include a perforated border secured by the fastening means to the borders of the other strips, it is preferred that the carbon paper be made narrower than the composite strip, 10 i. e., as wide as or slightly narrower than the forms exclusive of the separable border of the latter, so that the carbon paper may be withdrawn from between the forms before they are separated by tearing off their border, without making it necessary to tear out the carbon paper from between the forms. Or the carbon or transfer strip or strips may terminate at .their longitudinal edges opposite to their longitudinal attached margins somewhat short of the adjacent longitudinal record strip edges so as to form a selective grip or selective grip formation whereby the marginal portions of the record strips may be gripped to the exclusion of the carbon strips. When the back of the form strips are carbonized, the carbon paper is obviously eliminated and all of the strips have borders secured together by the fastening means.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be in part pointed out in the fol- 80 lowing detailed description of certain illustrative but preferred embodiments and will be in part obvious in connection therewith.

For a better understanding of this invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 illustrates a composite multiform paper strip interleaved with carbons and embodying this invention:

Fig. 2 is an enlarged partially diagrammatic and exaggerated cross-section through the strip as seen along line 2-.-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2a is an enlarged partially diagrammatic sectional view similar to that of Fig. 2 but showing a slightly modified structure; 4,5

Fig. 3 is a perspective partially diagrammatic view of the interfolded strip with the separable border partially removed; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a set of multiplicate forms after separation from the composite strip but before the border is torn off. i

In the drawingnumeral Ill designates the continuous manifolding assembly or multiform strip of stationery consisting of a number of multiplicate strips of successive forms, each strip being .5

substantially like the other strips, except that the strips may vary in that different colors, different original printing, and different weights or grades of paper may be employed. As shown in Fig. 1, the individual strips making up the composite strip ID are interleaved with carbon sheets II for the usual reason, although, if these strips are wholly carbonized or partly carbonized on their reverse surfaces the use of carbon sheets II is obviously not necessary.

The separate record and transfer strips making up the composite multiform strip III are provided with transverse lines of perforations l2, whereby the composite strip may be separated into a plurality of successive sets of multiplicate forms after the forms have been inscribed with record data by means of a typewriter or other printing machine, through which the composite strip is passed continuously, although, if desired, the sets of multiplicate forms may be torn from the strip Ill before being separately inscribed with the record data. forated transversely at a point coinciding with the perforations l2 in the form strips so as to be torn transversely at the same time, although, if desired, the carbon strips may bemade unperforated so as to be withdrawn before the composite strip I is torn transversely into the separate sets of multiplicate forms, whereby the carbon sheets I I may be used over again.

As shown in the drawing, each of the strips included in the composite manifolding assembly or form strip I0 is provided with a continuous border l3 which is separable from the composite strip Ill by tearing along the longitudinal line of perforations It as shown in Fig. 3. If preferred, the sets ll) of interleaved record and carbon leaves may be first divided from the composite strip l0 before the border I3 is removed as shown in Fig. 4.

Although the carbon sheets ll may be made the "same width as the strips including their borders l3 as shown in Fig. 2a, and may be perforated longitudinally in the same way that the paper strips are perforated as indicated at M, it

is desired for some uses of the manifolding assembly that the carbon sheets or strips H be made so as to have a width equal to or slightly less than the width of the paper form strips exclusive of the border l3 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In this way the carbon strips I i are held in place by friction with suflicient security, and may be withdrawn after the forms are inscribed with the record data either before the sets of forms are separated from the composite strip In by tearing the latter transversely along lines l2 into multiplicate sets, or after the composite strip Iii has been torn into its several sets of multiplicate forms as shown in Fig. 4.

In order to prevent creeping between the record strips and carbon strips or sheets I! making up the composite strip l0 when this composite strip is passed through a typewriter or printing machine or is otherwise handled, and also to.

maintain the various strips or forms securely together, fastening means are provided on the border l3. These fastening means may be one of several known types, but the fastening means must not be bulky because they will interfere with the free passage of the composite strip I 0 through the printing machine. One form of fastening means consists of longitudinal stitching I 5, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, this stitching being preferably applied in at least two places on the border 13 of each set of composite forms The carbon sheets II are also perfor the reason that when the forms are separated from the composite strip ID, as shown in Fig. 4. the multiplicate forms will not slip angularly relatively to each other and may be handled with impunity. Of course, if desired, only one stitching I5 may be applied to the border l3 opposite each set of forms, which will be satisfactory if the border I3 is to be separated from the composite strip Ill before the composite strip I0 is divided into its several sets of multiplicate forms as shown in Fig. 3, or if a doubly secure fastening against relative movement between the forms is not necessary.

Another type of fastening means which has been found useful and satisfactory is also shown in Fig. 1, and consists of a wire staple I6 which may be applied readily and is not bulky. Instead of using metal wire, a similar fastener may be made as also is shown at I! in Fig. 1, this fastener consisting of thread passed twice through the sets of forms and tied on the opposite side in the manner resembling the insertion of the wire staple I 6.

Still another method of fastening the multiplicate strips or forms together comprises the use of the paper itself when this paper is partially.

perforated and the cut portions passed through the several multiplicate sheets and folded back in the manner shown at l8 in Fig. 1. Here the several sheets are cut through in the form of a form I0 may be employed with equal facility.

In use, the composite strip I0, including the unseparated border 13, may be readily handled in rolls or interfolded as shown in Fig. 3 along the transverse lines of perforations I 2 without danger of relative creeping between the several strips making up the composite strip Ill and the carbon sheets II, if these are employed. Thus the composite strip Ill may be passed through a typewriter or other printing machine without danger that the forms of each set will become dis-arranged, and that the data inscribed thereon 'will become displaced on the several successive forms making up the multiplicate set. Also, after being so inscribed with the record data, the finished composite strips l0 may be handled in interfolded stacks as shown in Fig. 3, or in rolls without danger that the record data will become disarranged or confused in any way.

When the inscription of the record data on the composite form strip in is completed, and it is desired to separate the strip into its successive sets of multiplicate forms, it is only necessary to tear the strip Ill transversely along the transverse lines of perforations l2 in order to obtain the multiplicate sets of inscribed forms in secured relationas shown in Fig. 4, whereby they may, be individually handled without danger of disarrangement. In thisform, shown in Fig. 4, the several separate forms may be removed one by one by tearing along the longitudinal line of perforations M, or they may be released jointly by tearing off the border l3 as indicated in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the border l3 may be torn ofi the composite strip i0 as indicated in Fig. 3-before the composite strip I0 is divided into its component sets of multiplicateforxns.

When a set or unit of interleaved record and transfer sheets has been severed from the complete assembly as shown in Fig. 4 the carbons or transfer sheets may be quickly and easily separated from their interleaved relation with the record sheets after the binding margin i8 has been severed merely by grasping the projecting marginal portions of the record sheets to the exclusion of the carbon sheets, then giving the unit a quick jerk or swing whereupon the carbon sheets will be thrown out of the assembly unit.

As shown at the right in Fig. 2 the records extend beyond the adjacent edges of the carbons thus providing a selective grip formation at each of the units of interleaved record and carbon sheets. In cases where the carbon strips II are extended at their longitudinal margins into the attached borders l3 so as to be attached in the assembly by the fastening devices l5, etc., as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 2a, the method of separating the record and carbon sheets of a detached unit may be varied slightly. In the latter instance, the record and carbon sheets may either be detached one at a time as desired from the binding margin or-borders I3, or the record sheets may be selectively gripped at the selective grip formation to the exclusion of the carbon sheets and thus severed along the weakened severance lines l4 from the attaching border, thus leaving the carbons attached to said border. The carbons may then be discarded and the record sheets or leaves distributed to the different departments or destinations as required.

It will be seen that in this way the several forms either in strips or separate sets, are fastened together securely without passing the fastening means through and consequently mutilating the multiplicate forms in any way, and without perforating the carbon sheets ll, if these are used. Consequently, the carbon sheets may be used again or may be readily withdrawn from between the form sheets without the need of tearing them out, or without destroying the carbon sheets.

The borders [3, after being torn off, may be destroyed, but, if desired, the top or bottom strip of this border may be inscribed with an index or other identifying data, either produced before the composite strip ill or the severed set I0 is passed through the printing machine or when it is in the printing machine, this composite border thereafter serving as identifying the corresponding set of forms after the set of forms has been removed therefrom, or serving as a check stub, whereby the forms may be subsequently traced if misplaced or lost in a manner resembling the common use of check stubs.

While the multiforrn stationery strip described and shown herein has been shown in a few illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereby, but is susceptible of considerable variation in form and detail within its scope.

We claim:

1. Superposed record and transfer strips divided at intervals by transverse weakening lines to form sets of record sheets and interposed transfer sheets, the record strips only having each a longitudinal weakening line forming a detachable strip at overlying margins of such strips, the strips cured together along a marginal edge, the record 4 strips only having longitudinal weakening lines adjacent to, and spaced inwardly from, the securing means, said strips having transverse weakening lines at intervals to form successive manifold sheet units, the transfer sheet or sheets of a unit having a marginal portion inwardly offset from the contiguous marginal edge of the record sheets to provide a selective grip formation.

' 3. Superposed record and transfer strips secured together along a marginal edge, the record strips only having longitudinal weakening lines adjacent to and spaced inwardly from the securing means, said strips having transverse weakening lines at intervals to form successive ,manifolding units, the transfer sheet or sheets of each unit having a marginal portion at the edge opposite that at which the sheets of the unit are secured together inwardly ofiset from themarginal edges of the record sheets to provide a selective grip formation.

4. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, long continuous record and transfer strips interleaved in transfer relation, said assembly having longitudinally spaced transverse weakened severance lineswhereby it may be divided into record units of interleaved record and transfer leaves, said record strips having longitudinally disposed weakened severance lines extending along one lingtiudinal assembly margin and transversely of said transverse severance lines to each said record unit so as toqform a longitudinally disposed detachable binding margin for each said record strip at each side record unit,

said binding margins of the 'respective record said transverse severance lines to each said record unit so as to form a longitudinally disposed detachable .binding margin for, each said record strip at each said record unit, said binding margins of the respective record strips being relatively superposed, said record and transfer strips being attached together at said binding margins at each said record unit, said transfer leaves of said record units having, at points thereof spaced from said binding margin, edges inset from re- .spective adjacent record leaf edges so as to provide selective grip formations respectively positioned at each said record unit.

6. In a manifolding assembly, in combination, long continuous record and transfer strips interleaved in transfer relation, said assembly having longitudinally spaced transverse weakened severance lines whereby it may be divided into record units of interleaved record and transfer leaves, said record strips having longitudinally disposed weakened severance lines extending along one margins of the record strips and said longitudinal marginal transfer strip portions together at each said record unit.

'7. In a nianifolding assembly, in combination, long continuous record and transfer strips interleaved in transfer relation, said assembly having longitudinally spaced transverse weakened severance lines whereby it may be divided into record units of interleaved record and transfer leaves, said record strips having longitudinally disposed weakened severance lines extending along one longitudinal assembly margin and transversely of said transverse severance lines to each said record unit so as to form a longitudinally disposed detachable binding margin for each said record strip at each said record unit, said binding mar gins of the respective record strips being relatively superposed, said transfer strip or strips having longitudinal marginal portions overlapping said detachable binding margins of the record strips at each said record unit, attaching means attaching said detachable binding margins of the record strips and said longitudinal marginal transfer strip portions together at each said record unit, said transfer leaves of said record units having, at points thereof spaced from said binding margin, edges inset from respective adjacent record leaf edges so as to provide selective grip formations respectively positioned at each said record unit.

ARTHUR. H. PHILLIPS. WILLIAM ALLAN, JR. 

